Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE Version(s): ALL; Area: Translator Date Logged & Current Version Dec 2019 12.02.00.14 Problem: Where to find documentation on PCF translator? Solution: AutoPIPE's PCF translator is constantly evolving as required to handle PCF files generated by multiple different programs (Smartplant,Cadworks, AutoDesk Inventor, etc..). But where should one look to find help information about the program. PCF translator 01.00.00.81 and higher: All information about the program has been added into the programs' help command. Just open the program, select Help> Contents> and navigate / search the help as currently done in AutoPIPE. PCF translator 01.00.00.80 and lower: Earlier versions of AutoPIPE's PCF translator installed a complete manual about the application. See the following file and location for more details for the manual: File name: SmartPlantToAutoPIPETranslator_UserReference.pdf File locations: a. C:\Program Files (x86)\Bentley\AutoPIPE Translators b. C:\Bentley\AutoPIPE Translators\PCF Translator \ See Also PCF Translator Issues Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: Q. Documentation on AutoPIPE's PCF translator
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Wiki Page: PCF Translator Issues for AutoPIPE
Notes: A. For manual and details on the PCF translator file structure and mappings, see wiki here : B. The PCF translator can import almost any type of PCF file created by other 3D cad applications (i.e. SmartPLANT, CADworx, SoildWorks, AutoDesk Inventor Professional ( using the Tubing and Piping module , Autodesk 2015 help ), Catia, Autodesk Plant3D, etc..). Start the PCF translator by using one of the following: 1. From with in AutoPIPE, select File> Import> choose any one that has (PCF) at the end of the name. 2. Select Start> Bentley Engineering> AutoPIPE Translator> PCF translator> PCF translator program After the PCF translator application opens, see online help for details about the dialog. C. PCF file does not store multiple Pressure or Temperature settings, to be sure library data is retrieved for pipe properties, thermal expansion, hot modulus, hot allowable, etc, after importing a model suggest the following steps: select Tools> Model Options> General change Ambient temperature to a different setting, press OK button, after the model data has been refreshed, reset Ambient temperature back to the original setting. D. Per "SmartPlantToAutoPIPETranslator_UserReference.pdf" Rev.05, Section 6, the PCF translator can be run from the command line. However, the information was added to the PDF file before the actual functionality was added to the program. As an official statement, the PCF translator cannot be run from the command or be apart of the Automated System Processing feature in AutoPIPE. See AutoPIPE on-line help "Automated System Processing" for parameter switches supported by the program. Also, see AutoPIPE V8i 9.6 and higher Analysis Batch File Generator. E. In PCF file we cannot say from where segments starts and ends. PCF Translator automatically connects components on coordinates bases and create segments of those components which are connected to each other. Another words, PCF Translator connects components on coordinates base not on sequential order specified in PCF file. F. IF PCF translator was installed manually, delete the following folder if available: C:\Users\profilename\AppData\Roaming\Bentley\PCF Translator Then restart the application, this folder will automatically be refreshed with the new files per the version just installed. G. PCF file coordinate format: Note : The AutoPIPE coordinates can be manipulated from the default settings, where elevation = Z axis, and E/W = Y axis Comments, Questions, and Answers: Item #1: FAQ & Troubleshooting Item #2: Imported NTL Errors from translated File Item #3: Known Issues Item #4: Version History Item #5: Added details about translator's "Tools > Settings" features Item #6: Example video of importing a PCF file into AutoPIPE communities.bentley.com/.../2161.AutoPIPE-PCF-Translator-import-process.mp4 See Example PCF file used in video here. See Also AutoPIPE Translators Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 12. When importing a PCF file, all the pipe wall thickness values are very large in AutoPIPE, why and how to resolve?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE Version(s): V8i and higher Area: Import Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Date Logged & Current Version June 2015 09.06.02.06 Problem: After importing a model the pipe wall thickness values were found to be very large compared to the pipe size: why does this occur and how to avoid it? Solution: Let us look at the *.MSG file message that was displayed during the import: As can be seen in the *.MSG file the following warning was displayed multiple times: *** Warning: Extremely Large Thickness May Cause Error Open the actual *. PCF file that was imported in NotePad, and search for "PIPE": Note the Call out description = "Item-Code 2" Now perform a new search in the file for "Item-Code 2", (typically located near the bottom of the file): Open program Help / manual : See section on Mappings - Attributes, note that the wall thickness information in a PCF file format would be located in COMPONENT ATTRIBUTE 4. Look back in the actual PCF file for information mapped in COMPONENT ATTRIBUTE 4 = 600-NPA-0300 Therefore, what ever application created this has used Component Attribute 4 for another purpose than what the PCF translator has been set up to handle, The PCF translator will try to read this attribute information as a wall thickness (ex. wall thickness = 600). Workaround: Update program creating the PCF file to correctly export the wall thickness to Component Attribute 4 or manually update the PCF file Attribute 4 data as needed. The following enhancement has been logged : Enhancement 224511 / 590524: PCF Translator: Fetch Pipe wall thickness from Item Code > Description Update: PCF translator 1.00.0072 has been updated to read in a wall thickness from the description. PCF Translator first read all the important data from COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTES like wall thickness from COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE4 , if COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE4 is not available then it will read from the component's ITEM-DESCRIPTION, and if that is not available, it will finally read the Material Item-Code description typically located at the bottom of the file. However, once the information has been found then the PCF Translator will not continue searching for a wall thickness in the other locations. Another point, description wall thickness values must be in a specific format, WT xxx (ex. WT 12.7) or S/xx (S/10) and assumes the same unit system for Wall Thickness as specified for UNITS-CO-ORDS in the PCF file. Example PCF file: ISOGEN-FILES ISOGEN.FLS UNITS-BORE INCH UNITS-CO-ORDS MM UNITS-BOLT-LENGTH INCH UNITS-BOLT-DIA INCH UNITS-WEIGHT KGS PIPE COMPONENT-IDENTIFIER 1 END-POINT -5000.000 500.000 500.000 42 END-POINT -2000.000 500.000 500.000 42 FABRICATION-ITEM INSULATION-SPEC UNDEFINED PAINTING-SPEC UNDEFINED TRACING-SPEC UNDEFINED MISC-SPEC1 5858 MISC-SPEC3 UNDEFINED MISC-SPEC5 UNDEFINED PIPING-SPEC LAM1 WEIGHT 100.513 UCI {0001388C-0000-0000-743A-A4D4525A3A05} ITEM-CODE 5358590 ITEM-DESCRIPTION PIPE .500 EFW LOTEMP STL A671 CC60 CL 23 S2 CUT-PIECE-LENGTH 3718.01 MATERIALS ITEM-CODE 5358590 DESCRIPTION PIPE .500 EFW LOTEMP STL A671 CC60 CL 23 S2 Scenario #1: Import Original file What Wall thickness will the imported pipe have in AutoPIPE? Answer: Correct, 0.375 inch Why? Because a. there was no component-attribute4 data, b. item description was not formatted correctly, and therefore the program defaulted the wall thickness to schedule = STD for that pipe size, from library data equals 0.375 inch. Scenario #2: Wall thickness set with Schedule format Original PCF file has been updated with: MATERIALS ITEM-CODE 5358590 DESCRIPTION PIPE S/XS EFW LOTEMP STL A671 CC60 CL 23 S2 Question: What Wall thickness will the imported pipe have in AutoPIPE? Answer: Correct, 0.500 inch Why? Because there was no component-attribute4 data, however the description schedule was found to be formatted correctly for a viable schedule pipe size, Question: What if the schedule was set to S/10 (note that S/10 is not a typical standard for a 42 inch pipe size)? Answer: the wall thickness would be 0.375 because it could not find S/10 in the library and therefore defaulted to STD wall thickness which for this size pipe equals 0.375 inches. Scenario #3: COMPONENT-ATTIBUTE4 was used for a line number Original PCF file has been updated with: COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE4 600-JHPA-0200 ITEM-DESCRIPTION PIPE WT 12.7 S/XS EFW LOTEMP STL A671 CC60 CL 23 S2 Question: What Wall thickness will the imported pipe have in AutoPIPE? Answer: Correct 600 inch Why? Although the item-description has wall thickness correctly formatted, recall from information above where once the program finds viable information it stops searching. In this case, COMPONENT-ATTIBUTE4 was present and had data (i.e. 600-JHPA-0200). Therefore it stop searching and setting the wall thickness to 600 inches Question: what if "COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE4 A 600-JHPA-0200" was used instead, where the data value started with a letter Answer: Because COMPONENT-ATTRIBUTE4 started with a letter the program knows that this is not a numerical value and continues to search item description for a valid wall thickness value. Under Item-Description the application found wall thickness correctly formatted and sets it to 0.500 inch (or 12.7mm) A new enhancement (876955) has been logged to provide a user interface for customization of mapping of component attributes to AutoPIPE properties (ex. component-attribute4 to Line Number). Scenario #4: Both Wall thickness and Schedule data are present Original PCF file has been updated with: MATERIALS ITEM-CODE 5358590 DESCRIPTION PIPE WT 0.500 S/XS EFW LOTEMP STL A671 CC60 CL 23 S2 Question: What Wall thickness will the imported pipe have in AutoPIPE? Answer: Correct, 0.500 inch Why? Because there was no component-attribute4 data, item description was not formatted correctly, and If both wall thickness and schedule data are present in the description, order doesn't matter, schedule has precedence over wall thickness. Also note that for a 42 inch pipe S/XS wall thickness would actually be 12.7mm. Again, regardless of wall thickness information, schedule data would be read and used first. See Also PCF Translator FAQ & troubleshooting Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 01. PCF Translator FAQ & troubleshooting - AutoPIPE
Comments, Questions, and Answers with PCF translator into AutoPIPE: Note: See PCF translator Help / manual for complete details Issue #1: Process aborted Issue #2: Translator Freezes / Not Responding / Disappears Issue #3: Warning message about Flanges and Valves are set to weightless “Zero Weight” components Issue #4: "E880-1: Error in opening import batch file. File extension must be NTL" message appears Issue #5: No graphical elements found for the components Issue #6: Branch piping not connected to the main header pipe Issue #7: Imported pipe sizes are very Large or Small Issue #8: Imported file truncated pressure values Issue #9: Piping code, material, and components are not supported Issue #10: Imported branch connection are not connected correctly Issue #11: Status = "Incorrect Component Connection Tolerance Value" displayed Issue #12: All the pipe wall thickness values are very large Issue #13: Mapping a Line Number Issue #14: Mapping examples Issue #15: Parts of my PCF translated file are missing piping or components Item #16 : Imported flanges from a PCF file rotated 90 deg Item #17: Reset the PCF translator PCFin.MAP file Item #18: Piping was not connected Item #19: Remove Cad Length Below are general questions and answers about the process of exporting an existing AutoPIPE model (DAT) to a PCF file, translate the newly created PCF file with the PCF translator back into an AutoPIPE model, and compare AutoPIPE results between before and after translation: Q1. The expansion joint are not support in the current PCF translator A1. Support for Flex/Expansion Joints were implemented in PCF translator 1.0.0.24. Suggest to use the latest release of PCF Translator. Y Q2. The pipe is oriented 180 deg from original A2. Before export to PCF from AutoPIPE, In AutoPIPE Go to Tools> Settings > Isogen Settings Change North arrow to +X then the coordinates will matched exactly Q3. Pressure and Temp are different from before to after, example: 10 deg & 100 psi converted to 0.0 deg & 0.0 psi A3. This is a limitation in AutoPIPE PCF Export, which does not write Pressure and Temperature and hence default values are used. Q4. Pipe properties changed; wall thickness changed sch 160 changed to STD and Pipe material, from A335-P91 changed to A106-A A4. There is a limitation in AutoPIPE PCF Export could not correctly map the material and by default A106-A with STD wall thickness has been used. Adjust the map file as required to correctly map the material and wall thickness. Q5. Extra support (V-stop) added to the converted file at origin point with anchor. A5. During first time Export to PCF. AutoPIPE write Anchors as a Support with SKEY 01AN and then on import this support component converted to an default support V-STOP. Manually delete V-Stop. Q6. Flanges converted for the expansion joint are in the wrong location. A6. This has been fixed in a newer version of the translator, upgrade to the latest version of PCF Translator, Q7. Tee SIF values are different (because of wall thickness issue above, Q4) A7. Yes, proper schedule has not been exported by AutoPIPE in PCF. update PCF map file accordingly. Q8 Bend radius is different A8. Bend length is exactly same but after import from PCF the actual radius has been written instead of "LONG" Q9 I cannot get the PCF translator to execute from the command line (Batch Processing) as mentioned in the help info, why? A9. This passage was not suppose to have been printed in the published documentation because this feature had never been added to the program. This information was removed in the new version of the documentation. See Also PCF Translator Issues Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 09. Isn't my piping code, material, and components supported in the AutoPIPE PCF translator?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE Version(s): All Area: Import Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Date Logged & Current Version April. 2015 09.06.01.11 Problem: Isn't my piping code, material, and components supported in the translator? Solution: When importing any PCF file with the translator, the translator use the mapping from the designated MAP file, see screen shot below: In order to understand more about the existing mapping, open this file in any text editor software ( i.e. Notepad, Ultra Edit, etc..) or select a different MAP file when importing your model. Notes: 1. See WIKI here for manual on PCF translator 2. Since the translator is a separate application, be sure the selected Piping Code, Material Library, and Component Library that are available in your version of AutoPIPE. If not, the translator generated NTL file may not open correctly in AutoPIPE. How to map PCF material to an AutoPIPE material? ANSWER: Following is an example of material mapping. PCF Translator read the material information from ATTRIBUTE3 or ITEM-DESCTRIPTION. Therefore update the original model in the application that exported the PCF file to write the correct information to Attribute3 as shown below: How to map a PCF component to an AutoPIPE component? ANSWER: Open the PCFIN.MAP file (note, file path is located int he PCF translator MAP file setting) in any text editor (ex. Notepad ++, Ultra Edit, etc..) The first table in the file is a List of PCF components and mappings. Make modifications as needed to this table. Example: Map a PCF INST component to AutoPIPE VALVE component. a. On line 44 of the current PCFin.map file (image above), note that an PCF INST component is currently mapped to an AutoPIPE INSTRUMENT component or rigid pipe, shown below: b. Remap to AutoPIPE VALVE component. In 2nd column change INSTRUMENT to VALVE (note: must be all caps). c. Save file and close. d. Restart PCF translator and process a PCF file to see the affect See Also PCF Translator FAQ & troubleshooting Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 02. How to map a material that has more than 1 word using AutoPIPE and PCF translator ?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE Version(s): ALL; Environment: N/A Area: Import Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Date Logged & Current Version Dec. 2016 10.01.00.09 Problem: How to map a material that has more than 1 word using AutoPIPE and PCF translator ? Example: Alum 5083-0 Solution: Start by opening the PCF translator, press on the Help button, and from the drop down list select User Reference : This PDF document has a lot of good information related to using the PCF translator. Suggest searching this PDF document for Material. Chapter 5 "Mapping" has a chart about the attributes used to map different information. As seen in the chart, the translator checks Component-Attribute3 or Attribute3 for material. Search the imported PCF file for "Component-Attribute3": However, in this particular PCF file the pipe MATERIAL information can be found in the Item-Description attribute. PCF translator v.1.0.0.50 and higher has a new enhancement to read this description line instead of Component-Attribute3 or Attribute3. Only one limitation, the material has to be a single word. A new enhancement has been logged to address multiple word material descriptions. Until this enhancement has been added, user must manually add the functionality to read multiple material names when MATERIAL key word is used. All PCF imported items are controlled by settings in the PCFin.map file. One such item is the material mappings, these are defined as key value pair, so key and value must be single words regardless of what is actually in the Description of the imported PCF file. Let us see an example of both the PCF file being imported and the PCFin.MAP file: 1. Open the PCF file that is being imported into AutoPIPE: Note: Use any word editor application (i.e. Ultra Edit, NotePad ++, MS Word, etc..) to open this file. Ultra edit 1a. Search the PCF file for "ITEM-DESCRIPTION", in this file there were 14 occurrences. See image below with a list of line numbers where each item found was located in the file. Note, the material name in all cases is ALUM 5083-0 (2 words) 2. Open the PCFIN.map using any word editor application (i.e. Ultra Edit, NotePad ++, MS Word, etc..): Note: a. AutoPIPE 10.xx and higher: PCFin.MAP file is located at "C:\ Users\ xxxnamexxx \AppData \Roaming \Bentley \PCF Translator" b. Close PCF translator, open this folder location above, and delete PCFin.MAP file, and when PCF translator is restarted this action will recreate a clean copy of the PCFin.MAP file in this same folder (may need to refresh folder).. c. The PCFin.MAP file located in folder: "C:\ Users\ xxxnamexxx \ AppData\ Roaming\ Bentley\ AutoPIPE CONNECT" is not used for PCF import. Notepad++ 2a. Scroll down in the file to the Material Mapping section that starts on line #486 and ends on line #634 (by default in v1.0.0.58) 2b. Define a new material mapping in PCFin.MAP file as shown below. Notes: a. be vigilant about text alignment and spaces. Start of columns must align exactly. Mappings are very restrictive, any mistakes in this file and the mappings will not work when importing the PCF file. b. See 2nd column name does not have a space between ALUM and 5083-O. The space was omitted in order to be properly mapped. 2c. Save and close this file. 3. Start the PCF translator, Confirm the PCF file and Map File are correctly set: 3a. Unchecked the “Prompt User for Material Mapping” on PCF Translator Settings dialog. 3b. Select OK button and press Convert button to start the import process 4.. In a moment , if there were no additional problems and the mapping was performed correctly, the application would have automatically started and the file opened. When ready, check the Pipe Properties tab on the input grid to confirm material mapping: Success, PIPE1 is mapped to B547-5083. However, notice that PIPE2 material was set to A106-A. Question: why was PIPE2 material set to A106-A.? Answer: because A106-A is a default material if a material cannot be found. Question: : But wait, all the material was found to be ALUM 5083-0 in the imported PCF file, correct? Answer: No, look closer at line #324 in image for step #1 above, material was actually ALUM 5083-H112 and not ALUM 5083-0. Update the PCFin.MAP file to include a new mapping for this other material as needed. Notes: a. Material mapping names used in the 3rd column of the PCFin.MAP file must already be present in the Material library specified on the PCF translator. In this example the material library was set to B31.3-12 . From AutoPIPE help see a list of default material names: Please see the following AutoPIPE help section: Help > Contents> Contents Tab> Reference Information>Libraries >Code Dependent Pipe Materials> B313-12.LIB Code Materials b. If material name is not located in this AutoPIPE material library, see WIKI page here for options to add a new material to a library. Again, the names used in the 3rd column of the must match the Code material names found in the specified material library shown above. Remember at this time, the 2nd and 3rd column names must be one word. See Also Mapping examples from PCF translator Bentley AutoPIPE
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Forum Post: RE: Pipe branch without tee
Thank you!
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Wiki Page: 19. Bending Stress reported by AutoPIPE is different from hand calculated values, why?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE Version(s): ALL; Area: Code Stress Date Logged & Current Version Dec 2019 12.02.00.14 Problem: When plugging in the outputted values for in and out of plane bending moments, stress intensification factors, according to ASME B31.4-2016 (and also verifying with the ASME B31.4-2016 AutoPIPE Help), the bending stresses (ex. 28,455 psi) did not match the output reported value (ex. 25,193 psi). Note, pipe is 10.75" OD with a 0.365" WT (0.046 mill tolerance). Why are the values different? Solution: The difference was due to using the mill tolerance value. Per the settings of the model, mill tolerance was not taken into account for the analysis, However the hand calculations did account for the mill tolerance (ex. 0.365" - 0.046") . After removing mill tolerance from the hand calculations, both results matched within reason. See Also "Code Compliance" sub-report using Results> Output Report Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: "Code Compliance" sub-report using Results> Output Report in AutoPIPE
Comments, Questions, and Answers: Note: see " Piping Code Calculations - AutoPIPE " wiki for more Code specific calculations and reporting errors Item #1: What is the meaning of: [xx%] [TR] w/sus. load margin Item #2: Why are Code stress results different after adding an extra node point to pipe run / bend? Item #3: Hoop related questions Item #4: Stresses results for gravity load-case only Item #5: Thermal loading does not seem to be applied in the axial direction, why? Item #6: SIF questions and answers Item #7: Stress results greater for a slower wind speed than a higher wind speed Item #8: "Max Range {TR]" does not match the indicated combination value or any of the other Expansion combination values, why? Item #9: What to do when dynamic Response Spectrum exceeds a code allowable? Item #10: Why are there no normal Code Combination results, only HDPE combinations? Item #11: Output report / Results grids, Code Stress results are completely blank , why? Item #12: Considering that E2=-E1 why are the combinations GRTP2-E1 & GRTP2+E2 results not the same? Item #13: Appear to be using the valve material when computing the allowable stresses Item #14: What physical properties (OD and thickness) are used at welded elbows to calculate the Indices, Stiffness, Flexibility, Section Modulus, and Pressure Stiffness using the ASME NB code? Item #15: Why is model over stress due to Harmonic loading? Item #16: Why is model over stress due to Hydrotest load-case? Item #17: Results for a combination subtracting dynamic load cases (ex. GRT1P1 +U1 -S1 -R1) are higher than when adding the same dynamic load cases (ex. GRT1P1 +U1 +S1 +R1) Item #18: Would code stress results be the same regardless of which piping code was used Item #19: Bending stress analysis results does not match hand calculations See Also Analysis Sub-reports FAQ Reports Bentley AutoPIPE
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Forum Post: How to apply NC-3658 when use Appendix XI to assess the flanges ?
I analyze a non-standard flange in the piping designed to NC rules using Autopipe. Appendix XI is selected. Is NC-3658 automatically applied with Appendix XI ? or Do I have to manually input P+Peq and also manually calculate Mfs and Mfd ? In the flange analysis report I don't see Mfs and Mfd are listed.
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Wiki Page: 10. How to model a Hyspan Barco Ball Joint in AutoPIPE?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE, Version(s): 2004, XM, & V8i Area: Modeling Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Dec 2014, AutoPIPE V8i 09.06.01.10 Problem: How to model a Hyspan Barco Ball Joint? Solution: See the following AutoPIPE help section for modeling technique: Help > Contents> Contents Tab> Modeling Approaches> Modeling Approaches> Flexible Joints> Ball and Socket Joint example in AutoPIPE's online help. Actual ball and socket joints are limited in their range of angular rotation (shown below). AutoPIPE will not limit this range. Therefore, they should be placed in the piping system so that these limits are not exceeded. Question: In AutoPIPE a ball and socket is modeled as a Flexible Joint, what Flexible Joint stiffness values on the dialog represent the angular motion shown in the image above? Axial, Shear, Torsional, or Bending? Answer: Correct... Bending Stiffness values correctly represent this type of movement, see wiki here to understand Flexible joint dialog. Model Break-away / Resisting Moment: Generally,there is a limit load reached before the joint begins to move or stiffness values goes to 'zero' stiffness. A ball and socket manufacture will provide these break-away torques for the ball joint assembly. As of Dec 2019, AutoPIPE models these break-away with torsional and Bending “stiffness” resistance but the ball joint friction is more of a constant “friction torque” during movement and not proportional to the angular displacement (note, AutoPIPE units for Flexible Joint torsional and bending input values are Ft-lbs / deg or N*m / deg). Use one of the following modeling options to model break-away torque: Option #1 Suggest modeling the ball joint with a breakaway stiffness that will be constant throughout the travel. This will be conservative. You can check the Forces and Moments report at the joint to see if this load is reached. If the load has not been reached, increase the corresponding stiffness and recheck. If load has been exceeded, decrease stiffness accordingly and recheck until breakaway forces have been approximated. Option #2 Estimate the amount of angular displacement of the ball joint and scale the stiffness value accordingly so that the friction torque specified above is not exceeded. Option #3 Calculate the moment in the joint and if the moment exceeds the limit friction moment. If exceeded, apply a constant moment (using force/moment) on one end of the joint to counter the friction and set rotational stiffness to zero. If the moment is not exceeded, set the stiffness to rigid. (So set to rigid first to estimate the moment and if exceeded, set back to zero with constant moment). The problem with this approach is that you cannot set stiffness to zero for one load case and rigid for different load case. Procedure: a. Set stiffness to rigid. b. Analyze to calculate moment in the joint (for all basic load cases, not combinations) c. If moment does not exceed friction moment, you are done, rigid is valid for that load case d. If moment exceeds friction. Set stiffness to zero (unless one is provided) and apply a constant moment equal to friction moment on one end of the joint. The moment is applied in the load case evaluated. Make sure the moment sign is correct. An enhancement has been logged (TFS-108453, CAE-TR-4779) to add a feature to input Break-away torques. See Also How to model a Ball joint in AutoPIPE? Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 01. AutoPIPE's Flexible Joint Dialog Explained
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE, Version(s): All Environment: N/A Area: Modeling Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Nov 2014, AutoPIPE V8i 09.06.01.10 Problem: AutoPIPE's Flexible Joint Dialog Explained Also, which direction is Y-shear on a vertical pipe? Solution: The following will provide additional information about the Flexible joint dialog. After a model is opened, select a run node point, and press Insert> Flexible joint> the following screen will appear. Name of Point : Start point of flexible joint Length: Length of bellows. Typical units: Ft (mm) Axial Stiffness: Amount of resistance for change in axial length of the bellows from its free length in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. Typical units: lbs/in (N/mm) Shear stiffness (Y-axis & Z-axis): the relative stiffness of one end of the bellows to the other end in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Local Y & Z axis values are typically the same stiffness. Typical units: lbs/in (N/mm) Torsional : Amount of resistance in the rotation about the axis through the center of the bellows (twisting) Typical units: Ft-lbs / deg (N-m/deg) Bending stiffness (Local Y-axis & Z-axis): resist angular rotation along the local longitudinal axis of the bellows towards a point of rotation Typical units: ft-lbs / deg (N-m/deg) Weight: weight of the bellows. Typical units: lbs (kg) (N-m/deg) Pressure Area: The effective cross sectional area; usually based on the mean diameter of the flexible joint convolutions. This area is then multiplied by the internal pressure to obtain the axial thrust due to internal pressure. This thrust force is applied to adjacent equipment or piping if a rigorous pressure extension analysis is specified. Typical units: sq in (cm^2) Question: Which direction is Y-shear on a vertical pipe? Answer: The answer is simple, if you know the pipe's local direction. the Flexible joint dialog asks the user to enter the Axial Stiffness and Torsional stiffness. These settings are easy to understand when referring to the information above. However the Y & Z Shear / Bending stiffness can be a little confusing for some new users. Press the "Help" button on the Flexible Joint dialog to understand these setting. In the AutoPIPE help will inform the reader that the dialog is asking for the Local shear stiffness and Local bending stiffness. Now the question is, how to find the local coordinate system where the Flexible Joint has been modeled? Note : regardless of pipe orientation, be mindful of the pipe's segment direction, modeled going down or was it modeled going up? Node numbering is a good indication of segment direction. In order to find the local coordinate system, use 1 of 2 methods: 1. AutoPIPE help or 2. By creating an example model and testing it.. 1. AutoPIPE Help: The easy method would be to refer to the following AutoPIPE help section: Help > Contents> Contents Tab> Reference Information> Results Interpretation> ->Straight Pipe Forces and Moments: Local Option -> Support Forces for Guides and Line Stops without Gaps -> Curved Pipe Forces and Moments: Local Option This page will document in detail on how to find the local coordinate direction. 2. By creating an example model and testing it: Create a new model that has multiple vertical pipe runs with a flexible joint and a set of anchors on each end. See image below. For this example, Pipe size, pipe material, Piping Code, etc.. is of no great concern, pick some default values from the drop-down listings. In this example model note that Segments A and B have been modeled going Down, while Segments C and D have been modeled going Up. The objective of this model is to determine which direction is Local Y and Local Z for values entered into the Flexible joint dialog. Consider a Flexible Joint where all stiffness values are set to rigid except one that is set to a low stiffness (see settings below) Now apply Impose Support Displacement at the bottom of each segment in different directions, as shown below: If the stiffness setting is set to a low value and moves in that direction the top part of the piping will remain stationary while the Flexible Joint and lower piping flexes. If the stiffness value is entered in the wrong axis direction the entire length of the pipe run will try to bend. Run the analysis and animate the displacement results: Clearly one can see that segments A and C are bending over the entire length of the segment, while segment B and D are clearly flexing from B01 & D02 down. Therefore in this example the Local Y direction is on the global Z axis for both segment directions Up and Down. Next Repeat the test but change the Flexible Joint stiffness accordingly: Run the analysis and animate the displacement results: . Now, one can see that things have changed a bit, segments A and C are now flexing from A01 and C02 down but the top part of the pipe segments remains rigidly straight, while segment B and D are clearly flexing over the entire length. Therefore in this example the Local Z direction is on the global X axis for both segment directions Up and Down. Fair to say that the Y-shear and Y-bending stiffness are in the same local axis direction, so no need to test for that, however you could run that test yourself as needed . Note: the Flexible Joint dialog is not concerned with +ve or -ve local axis direction. The flexible joint stiffness settings restrict movement on the respective axis irrelevant of + or - axis direction. Example: one does not enter a -ve stiffness value for the -ve local axis direction. All Stiffness settings are entered using +ve values. Conclusion: These values required by this dialog are specific to each flexible joint manufactured, please contact the company manufacturing your assembly to request the above information required by AutoPIPE. By using Rigid in any field, it is essentially meaning that the expansion joint will be infinitely Rigid for that plane of motion. Entering Rigid may be required by some modeling approaches but the user is cautioned to understand the implications of doing so. If you are modeling a flexible joint with multiple convoluted sections (i.e. universal expansion, pressure balanced, etc..), do not use the overall assembly values. You must model each individual bellows and piping with their specific values. See Also Flexible Joint Piping Components Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 16. How to model Metraloop expansion loops made by Metraflex in an AutoPIPE model?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE Version(s): ALL Area: Modeling Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Date Logged & Current Version May. 2017 11.00.00.22 Problem: How to model Metraloop expansion loops made by Metraflex? Solution: Model as a series of normal piping components. a. Flanges (quantity = 2) b. 90 deg Bend (quantity = 4) c. Flexible Joints (quantity = 2) Note: 1. Bentley TSG cannot provide design settings for model, contact manufacture for Flexible Joint values required by dialog. 2. Add supports between bends as required. See Also Flexible Joint - Modeling Approaches, Tips, Techniques Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 15. What kind of flexible joint is meant by these single line graphics in an AutoPIPE model?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE Version(s): ALL Area: Modeling Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Date Logged & Current Version Feb. 2016 10.00.00.10 Problem: Why are the Flexible joint symbols different when seen in single line mode in my AutoPIPE model. Does this mean it is a different type of flexible joint? why? Solution: In single line model, the expansion joint is drawn based on the pipe size and length of the joint. For a given pipe size and expansion joint length it may be viewed as either of the following: The graphic may be different but all 4 represent the same thing, an AutoPIPE Flexible Joint component. See Also Flexible Joint - Modeling Approaches, Tips, Techniques Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 14. Appears that the Flexible joint in my AutoPIPE model is not relieving pipe stresses, why?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE Version(s): 2004, XM, V8i, CONNECT; Area: Modeling Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Date Logged & Current Version Nov 2014 09.06.00.15 Problem: I have a model that shows the code stresses > 1 for a specific thermal loading. How do I get the stresses to become less than 1 or lower than manufacture allowable? I would have thought the expansion joints would help. But looks like they have no effect. Pipe stress do not change when a flexible joint is modeled. Why? Solution: If the expansion joint does not seem to be flexing enough, review the Flexible Joint Stiffness values by opening the Dialog or Flexible Joint Input grid tab: In some cases, the flexible joint stiffness settings were found to be all Rigid (as seen above) . If a flexible joint has all stiffnesses set to Rigid, this would be the same as a piece of rigid pipe and will offer no flexibility. Suggest modifying the stiffness values as outlined by the Flexible Joint Manufacture. If the flexible joint is entered as specified by the manufacture and still exceeds a nozzle allowable, suggest the following: 1. Perform a through review of the loads on the flexible joint to better understand why the forces / loads being transmitted are so high. 2. Remember when using a flexible joint there is a pressure thrust component related to the Pressure Area specified on the Flexible joint. You may need to add tie bars to the flexible joint or other suitable supports to restrain the pipe from pressure thrust. 3. Suggest contacting the Flexible Joint manufacture for assistance in designing a suitable flexible joint for your application. See Also Flexible Joint - Modeling Approaches, Tips, Techniques Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 13. How to model an in-line Pressure Balance Expansion Joint in AutoPIPE?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE Version(s): 2004, XM, V8i Area: modeling Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Date Logged & Current Version Mar. 2015 09.06.01.11 Problem: How to model an in-line Pressure Balance Expansion Joint in AutoPIPE? Solution: Per the following catalog cut sheet: See detailed approach in the attached files for modeling an In-line Pressure Balance Expansion Joint in AutoPIPE Download File here Comments, Questions, and Answers about this modeling approach: Item #1: Can I model the retaining rods as actual pipe runs? Answer: the official answer to can it be done, Yes, it can be done. However the next question is, should it be done, suggested answer, No. Remember each pipe segment in AutoPIPE needs to be suitably restrained to prevent the analysis failing due to Unstable System error message. Model tie/links as pipe: create the extension beams as outlined in the AutoPIPE example, then connect the extension beams with a pipe run. Model retaining rods as tie-links: see AutoPIPE example - Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints for details. Note: Beams can have a pipe shape, on the Beam Section Properties dialog specify a Pipe Section Type. Item #2: Should the pressure area be set to 0.00 for all Flexible joints that make up a pressure balance joint? Answer: NO !. Suggest that the user enter the correct Pressure Area per the size of the bellows and be sure to connect the multiple bellows that make up the assembly as mentioned by the Manufacture. Most of the time the manufacture provides data on the over all joint. The model approach being implementing needs the data for each of the bellows that make up the entire assembly. As shown / mentioned in AutoPIPE's Examples for pressure balanced joints the "Pressure Areas" are NOT blank (unless said bellows are arranged in the assembly such to not be exposed to internal pipe pressure). Again, be sure each bellows has the correct data and that the tie/link rods are connected correctly. Item #3: Can you provide better details about the example model download above. Why there are crosses and tees modeled. Answer: First take a moment to study the Excel spreadsheet that is in the downloaded ZIP file. This file has an image with related details about the modeled pressure joint. In addition, see the following images: Again, review the Excel sheet for more details. This modeling approach assumes that 2 expansion joints are connected to one point.. Be sure to use this example as a teaching tool, your model in line pressure joint may be a little different. thus requiring a different modeling but using the same techniques here. See Also Flexible Joint - Modeling Approaches, Tips, Techniques Bentley AutoPIPE
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Wiki Page: 12. How to model a Ball joint in AutoPIPE?
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE, Version(s): 2004, XM, & V8i Environment: N/A Area: Modeling Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Dec 2014, AutoPIPE V8i 09.06.01.10 Problem: My specific Ball Joints have a particular torque which allows them to move. For example I am modeling a 14" ball joint with a friction torque of 9,000 FT-LBS. Once this moment is developed in the system it remains constant and the ball joint rotates. Solution: First, start by modeling a ball and socket joint as specified by AutoPIPE help. Help > Contents> Contents Tab> Modeling Approaches> Modeling Approaches> Flexible Joints> Ball and Socket Joint example Actual ball and socket joints are limited in their range of angular rotation (shown below). AutoPIPE will not limit this range. Therefore, they should be placed in the piping system so that these limits are not exceeded. User are responsible for manually checking angular movement does not exceed manufacture limits. Question: In AutoPIPE, a ball and socket is modeled as a Flexible Joint, what Flexible Joint stiffness values on the dialog represent the angular motion shown in the image above? Axial, Shear, Torsional, or Bending? Answer: Correct... Torsional and Bending Stiffness values correctly represent this type of movement ( see wiki here to understand Flexible joint dialog). Model Break-away / Resisting Moment: Generally,there is a limit load reached before the joint begins to move or stiffness values goes to 'zero' stiffness. A ball and socket manufacture will provide these break-away torques for their ball joint assembly. As of Dec 2019, AutoPIPE models these break-away with torsional and Bending “stiffness” resistance but the ball joint friction is more of a constant “friction torque” during movement and not proportional to the angular displacement (note, AutoPIPE units for Flexible Joint torsional and bending input values are Ft-lbs / deg or N*m / deg). Use one of the following modeling options to model break-away torque: Option #1 Suggest modeling ball joint break-away stiffness that will be constant throughout the travel. This will be conservative. One can check the Forces and Moments output report at the joint to see if this load has been reached. If the load has not been reached, increase the corresponding stiffness and recheck. If load has been exceeded, decrease stiffness accordingly and recheck until breakaway forces have been approximated. Option #2 Estimate the amount of angular displacement of the ball joint and scale the stiffness value accordingly so that the friction torque specified above is not exceeded. Option #3 Calculate the moment in the joint and if the moment exceeds the limit friction moment apply a constant moment (using force/moment) on one end of the joint to counter the friction and set rotational stiffness to zero. If the moment is not exceeded, set the stiffness to rigid. The problem with this approach is that you cannot set stiffness to zero for one load case and rigid for different load case. Procedure: a. Set stiffnesses to rigid. b. Analyze to calculate moment in the joint (for all basic load cases, not combinations) c. If moment does not exceed friction moment, you are done, rigid is valid for that load case d. If moment exceeds friction. Set stiffness to zero (unless one is provided) and apply a constant moment equal to friction moment on one end of the joint. The moment is applied in the load case evaluated. Make sure the moment sign is correct. An enhancement has been logged (TFS-108453, CAE-TR-4779) to add a feature to input Break-away torques. See Also Flexible Joint - Modeling Approaches, Tips, Techniques Bentley AutoPIPE
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Forum Post: Definition of wall thicknesses for reduction Tee in PCF model
How to define two different wall thicknesses for reduction tees using "COMPONENT-ATTRUBUTE4" parameter in PCF-format file? When this parameter for such tee's is omitted the default values of thicknesses (OD/4) are assigned and must be in AutoPIPE corrected after import of PCF file.
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Forum Post: How to add user defined material library in SmartPlant PCF Translator for AutoPIPE?
Is it possible and how to add in SmartPlant PCF Translator a new Material library defined earlier by user for AutoPIPE models. Steels defined in my library are accessible in AutoPIPE, but I can't see them on "Material library" drop-down list in PCF Translator.
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Wiki Page: 02. For flexible joints, how to apply define coefficient of thermal expansion, and where it is defined in AutoPIPE
Applies To Product(s): AutoPIPE, Version(s): 2004, XM, & V8i Area: Modeling Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group Dec 2014, AutoPIPE V8i 09.06.01.10 Problem: For flexible joints, how to apply define coefficient of thermal expansion, and where it is defined? Solution: The flexible joint will have an effect on the thermal movement of the pipe based on the stiffness specified on the flexible joint dialog screen. In addition, translation of thermal movement can be accomplished by adding a axial restraint across the flexible joint. Another words, a flexible joint itself does not undergo any thermal expansion/contraction i.e. no thermal properties are applied to the joint itself. As seen in the online help: Flexible joints are modeled as a one-point lumped spring expanded into a two-point spring element. See Also Flexible Joint - Modeling Approaches, Tips, Techniques Bentley AutoPIPE
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